This is part of an e-mail I received: "... we do want to learn more about [your software product]. But, we have such a vested interest in doing things the same way we always have (with [our current software product]) that I'd have to make sure a switch to [your product] would be as transparent as possible to our staff."
Just an amazing example of "please give us something new but make it look exactly like the crappy stuff we have now".
So I was on the phone today with some Asian woman and she was rattling off various web addresses to me that she was experimenting with. She got to a point where she said "blah-blah-blah" but, being Asian, it came out "bra-bra-bra". I had to hit the mute button so I could snicker while she continued. Even saying it now makes me giggle. Life is very good these days. I went to the doctor for a checkup and was astounded by the wealth of technology they had. They took my picture and scanned my insurance card instead of photocopying it. Since I was a new patient, I was given a pass code to get on their web site two weeks ago and fill out all my medical history from the comfort of my home so I can look at a calendar to figure out the date of my last period and try to piece together what year it was when I had my appendix removed without getting stumped in the waiting room quiz.
My only suggestion for an improvement would be if they would give me a printout when I left that said what I had come for and what my weight and blood pressure and results where while I was there. If they can do that at BMW when I take my car in for service, they should be able to do that for me when I go in for "service".
On Saturday, we leave for Vegas for the weekend. The Puddin' will be treated to his first Cirque du Soleil experience as well as lots of blinking lights and good food. It should be a grand time.
I have ordered lots of sign language books and DVDs and CDs from Amazon (which I'm still waiting for to arrive since I picked the "when will they ever get here" shipping option). I am a language lover of any kinda and it can only help the Puddin' and I when we are both 80 (or when he's 80 and I'm a spritely 73) and neither of us can hear worth crap.
Wow, it feels good to write again after so long. I'll have to keep it up.
And lastly, I found this little visitor in my tomato garden tonight. Warning that the arachnophobic should avoid clicking on the link but all others can marvel and his fancy stripes.
You all have been so good handling the heartbreak of losing the Mini, that I should reward you with pictures of the new Magic Lamp. Unfortunately, the weather doesn't cooperate with me and it's currently pouring outside, so pics will have to wait until the skies are a little more clear and sunny. Perhaps Monday after work. The new car is very fine and very roomy. The stereo is one of its finer points (the stereo in the Mini was superb but if you raised the volume but so much EVERYTHING in the car shook and rattled). I have also been impressed with the GPS and look forward to trying it out in a place where I don't already know where I'm going.
I spent two hours the other night tearing the house apart trying to find the special wrench that was used to remove my roof rack from the Mini. I'm convinced it's in the car itself and may have to go by the dealership in person to be sure. Just to have closure. Because it's sure as hell nowhere in the house. Holy crap, did I ever find other stuff though. I found my wayward iPod. I found the earbuds for the iPod and the charger for the iPod and the car adapter for the iPod (each in a separate room). I found lots of old letters and coupons and receipts. I found enough change to buy lunch all this week. I found all kinds of Mini paraphenalia that I had received over the years from the marketing folks. But I found no wrench. I suspect the BMW dealership will be replacing it if they won't let me look in the car one last time for it.
This weekend was Last Chance and all its heat. Sitting out there in the gravy-like air that afternoon, I was pleased to not be going to Pennsic. I think I'll start re-emerging into the SCA as a whole but I don't think I'll start by camping in the deserts of Pennsylvania for a week. I still have a pavilion to finish! I did however spend nearly all day at the Minister of the List table and had a surprisingly good time. I chatted with folks, had a good seat for the action and got to play with stationary all day. Who could ask for more? Ella seems to share my passion for office supplies as it were and I can see myself going on a shopping spree soon for all things pen and paper. Both Ilsa and Ella were very sweet to gift me with stationary and I look forward to my next chance (no pun intended) to help out.
The rain looks like it's slacking, so I'm off to video tape the Puddin between the posts for hockey night. I've been promised a late night dinner at Friday's as well. :)